US20090295160A1 - Method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine - Google Patents
Method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090295160A1 US20090295160A1 US12/128,861 US12886108A US2009295160A1 US 20090295160 A1 US20090295160 A1 US 20090295160A1 US 12886108 A US12886108 A US 12886108A US 2009295160 A1 US2009295160 A1 US 2009295160A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- wind
- wind turbine
- set point
- rotational speed
- control system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 34
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000011295 pitch Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D7/00—Controlling wind motors
- F03D7/02—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D7/04—Automatic control; Regulation
- F03D7/042—Automatic control; Regulation by means of an electrical or electronic controller
- F03D7/043—Automatic control; Regulation by means of an electrical or electronic controller characterised by the type of control logic
- F03D7/046—Automatic control; Regulation by means of an electrical or electronic controller characterised by the type of control logic with learning or adaptive control, e.g. self-tuning, fuzzy logic or neural network
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D7/00—Controlling wind motors
- F03D7/02—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D7/0276—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor controlling rotor speed, e.g. variable speed
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2270/00—Control
- F05B2270/10—Purpose of the control system
- F05B2270/103—Purpose of the control system to affect the output of the engine
- F05B2270/1033—Power (if explicitly mentioned)
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2270/00—Control
- F05B2270/30—Control parameters, e.g. input parameters
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2270/00—Control
- F05B2270/30—Control parameters, e.g. input parameters
- F05B2270/327—Rotor or generator speeds
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
Definitions
- the present invention is directed generally to wind turbines, and more particularly to a method for increasing energy capture.
- the present invention is directed to controlling the speed of rotation of the wind turbine blades to increase the amount of energy capture.
- a wind turbine includes a rotor having multiple blades.
- the rotor is mounted to a housing or nacelle, which is positioned on top of a truss or tubular tower.
- Utility grade wind turbines i.e., wind turbines designed to provide electrical power to a utility grid
- the wind turbines are typically mounted on towers that are at least 60 meters in height. Blades on these rotors transform wind energy into a rotational torque or force that drives one or more generators that may be rotationally coupled to the rotor through a gearbox.
- the gearbox steps up the inherently low rotational speed of the turbine rotor for the generator to efficiently convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, which is fed into a utility grid.
- the initial design of a wind turbine controls may use standards such as IEC 61400.
- the standardized environmental conditions such as average wind speed, turbulence intensity or air density are the basis for the design.
- the IEC standard defines a small number of different “type classes” that categorize a wind turbine design for broader range of environmental conditions. As such, the standard controller configuration fails to address all of the types of site locations on which the wind turbine may be installed.
- many wind turbine sites include more favorable environmental conditions that give less stress on the actual wind turbine than the design conditions. At these sites, it is possible to use this application to increase the wind turbine performance, using a higher average rotor speed, without damaging wind turbine components.
- One aspect of the present invention includes a method for operating a wind turbine.
- the method includes providing a wind turbine having a variable speed control system, the control system having an initial rotational speed set point. At least two operational parameters are obtained from one or more sensors. An adjusted rotational speed set point greater than the initial rotational speed set point is determined in response to the operational parameter.
- the control system is configured with the adjusted rotational speed set point.
- the control system has an initial rotational speed set point.
- the wind turbine also includes at least one sensor arranged and disposed to obtain at least two operational parameters.
- the control system is selectively configured with an adjusted rotational speed set point greater than the initial rotational speed set point in response to the operational parameter.
- Still another aspect of the present invention includes a wind plant having a plurality of wind turbines.
- the wind turbines each include a variable speed control system.
- the control system has an initial rotational speed set point.
- At least one sensor arranged and disposed to obtain at least two operational parameters.
- the control system is selectively configured with an adjusted rotational speed set point greater than the initial rotational speed set point in response to the operational parameter.
- the wind plant further includes a central monitoring station.
- the central monitoring station is configured to selectively permit adjustment of the control system in response to an external requirement.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary configuration of a wind turbine.
- FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of a nacelle of the exemplary wind turbine configuration shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a control system for the wind turbine configuration shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the wind turbine 100 includes a nacelle 102 mounted atop a tall tower 104 , only a portion of which is shown in FIG. 1 .
- Wind turbine 100 also comprises a wind turbine rotor 106 that includes one or more rotor blades 108 attached to a rotating hub 110 .
- wind turbine 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes three rotor blades 108 , there are no specific limits on the number of rotor blades 108 required by the present invention.
- the height of tower 104 is selected based upon factors and conditions known in the art.
- various components are housed in nacelle 102 atop tower 104 .
- One or more microcontrollers or other control components are housed within control panel 112 .
- the microcontrollers include hardware and software configured to provide a control system providing overall system monitoring and control, including pitch and speed regulation, high-speed shaft and yaw brake application, yaw and pump motor application and fault monitoring.
- the control system may be a distributed control architecture not solely provided for by the control panel 112 as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
- the control system provides control signals to a variable blade pitch drive 114 to control the pitch of blades 108 ( FIG. 1 ) that drive hub 110 as a result of wind.
- the pitches of blades 108 are individually controlled by blade pitch drive 114 .
- the drive train of the wind turbine includes a main rotor shaft 116 (also referred to as a “low speed shaft”) connected to hub 110 and supported by a main bearing 130 and, at an opposite end of shaft 116 , to a gear box 118 .
- Gear box 118 in some configurations, utilizes a dual path geometry to drive an enclosed high-speed shaft.
- the high-speed shaft (not shown in FIG. 2 ) is used to drive generator 120 , which is mounted on mainframe 132 .
- rotor torque is transmitted via coupling 122 .
- Generator 120 may be of any suitable type, for example, a wound rotor induction generator.
- Yaw drive 124 and yaw deck 126 provide a yaw orientation system for wind turbine 100 .
- Anemometry provides information for the yaw orientation system, including measured instantaneous wind direction and wind speed at the wind turbine. Anemometry may be provided by a wind vane 128 .
- the yaw system is mounted on a flange provided atop tower 104 .
- the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and may include any configuration of wind turbine 100 known in the art having a control system and rotational speed control.
- the wind turbine 100 may include more or less than three blades 108 .
- an exemplary control system 300 for wind turbine 100 includes a bus 302 or other communications device to communicate information.
- Processor(s) 304 are coupled to bus 302 to process information, including information from sensors configured to measure displacements or moments.
- Control system 300 further includes random access memory (RAM) 306 and/or other storage device(s) 308 .
- RAM 306 and storage device(s) 308 are coupled to bus 302 to store and transfer information and instructions to be executed by processor(s) 305 .
- RAM 306 (and also storage device(s) 308 , if required) can also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by processor(s) 305 .
- Control system 300 can also include read only memory (ROM) and or other static storage device 310 , which is coupled to bus 302 to store and provide static (i.e., non-changing) information and instructions to processor(s) 304 .
- Input/output device(s) 312 can include any device known in the art to provide input data to control system 300 and to provide yaw control and pitch control outputs. Instructions are provided to memory from a storage device, such as magnetic disk, a read-only memory (ROM) integrated circuit, CD-ROM, DVD, via a remote connection that is either wired or wireless providing access to one or more electronically-accessible media, etc. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.
- Sensor interface 314 is an interface that allows control system 300 to communicate with one or more sensors.
- Sensor interface 314 can be or can comprise, for example, one or more analog-to-digital converters that convert analog signals into digital signals that can be used by processor(s) 304 .
- the sensor interface includes signals from a rotor speed determining device and anemometry from wind vane 128 .
- the present disclosure includes a method for increasing energy capture of a wind turbine by controllably adjusting the maximum or rated rotational speed set point in response to a measured operational value.
- “Rotational speed”, as utilized herein, is defined as the speed at which the blades rotate about the hub. The rotational speed may include the speed at which the low speed shaft 116 rotates or may be calculated from the speed of the high-speed shaft or at the generator 120 .
- “Rated power”, as utilized herein, is defined as the power that the wind turbine generates at a maximum capacity, wherein the maximum capacity is determined by the control system.
- “Rated rotational speed”, as utilized herein is defined as the speed at which the rotor is permitted to rotate in continuous operations during full load operations. The rated rotational speed may correspond to the maximum power capacity, but may include wind turbine operation below the maximum power capacity.
- the controlled adjustment may include a feature installed on an existing wind turbine with no modification of the wind turbine components. During the period of time of increased maximum rotor speed set point, the wind turbine is able to run at a higher rated power and achieve a significantly higher energy production. In this embodiment, no components of the turbine need to be changed or added.
- the method includes operating a wind turbine having a variable speed control system.
- wind turbine control systems typically include sophisticated control systems and control programs.
- the control programs utilize wind turbine components to adjust various operational parameters within the wind turbine 100 .
- pitch blade angle and generator torque may be adjusted to vary the power output at the generator 120 and/or to adjust the rotational speed of the blades 108 in response to a wind speed.
- the wind turbine 100 will include a variable speed operational period (e.g., operation during shutdown and startup) and a constant speed operational period (e.g., during normal operating conditions or at maximum rated power operation).
- the control system includes an initial or rated rotational speed set point value.
- the initial rotational speed set point value corresponds to the designed maximum rotational speed at which the wind turbine is permitted to operate. While not so limited, the initial rotational speed set point value may be determined according to known design parameters or standards, such as international standards (e.g., IEC 61400). In the control configuration, the standardized environmental conditions such as average wind speed, turbulence intensity or air density for a theoretical average wind turbine site may form the basis for the design and configuration. While during normal operation (i.e., the constant speed operational period), the rotational speed is not permitted to exceed the maximum rotational speed set point. It is noted, however, that power output of the wind turbine 100 may vary at the maximum rotational speed by varying other parameters, such as torque.
- the method of the present disclosure includes a method wherein the initial rated rotational speed set point value is increased from the initial value in response to at least two operational parameters.
- the operational parameters are measured at one or mores sensors at the wind turbine 100 , at a monitoring station for a wind turbine plant, or at a location corresponding to the wind turbine operation.
- the operational parameter are preferably selected from the group consisting of generator speed, power output, turbulence intensity (e.g., turbulence intensity measured as function of the standard deviation of the rotational speed), wind speed, wind direction (both in vertical and horizontal sense), wind shear, the combination of ambient temperature and air pressure, air density, component temperatures (e.g., generator windings, bearings, generator and gearbox cooling, gearbox oil, transformer, and/or converter), generator torque, current in generator rotor and stator, voltage in generator rotor and stator, power factor, tower top vibration, drive train vibrations, yaw position and combinations thereof. More preferably, the operational parameter is at least two parameters selected from the group consisting of an air turbulence intensity, air density, tower vibration, ambient temperature, wind turbine component temperature, yaw position and combinations thereof.
- turbulence intensity e.g., turbulence intensity measured as function of the standard deviation of the rotational speed
- wind speed wind direction (both in vertical and horizontal sense), wind shear
- the sensors for measuring the operational parameters may be any suitable sensors known in the art for measuring or sensing the operational parameter. Suitable sensors may include thermometers, thermocouples, thermisters, anemometers, pressure sensors, optical sensors, proximity sensors, encoders (e.g., encoder mounted on the individual components) or any other known sensor or sensor system.
- the sensors may be included at the wind turbine location or at a location remote from the wind turbine, such as at a remote monitoring system.
- the sensor may indirectly measure an operational parameter, such as by measuring a value that may be utilized to calculate an operational parameter.
- a plurality of sensors may be utilized to determine a single operational parameter.
- an adjusted, increased, rotational speed set point value is determined in response to the operational parameter.
- the amount of increase in rotational speed can be determined using any suitable model or calculation that is capable of determining a rotor speed that is greater than the initial rotational speed set point, and provides an adjusted rotor speed that is mechanically permitted by the wind turbine 100 and the conditions surrounding the wind turbine 100 .
- the target rotational speed is a function of the standard deviation of the controlled rotational speed, which may be a measure of turbulence intensity.
- the increase in rotational speed set point value may be determined by the general relationship that as the annual average wind speed decreases, the mechanical loads on the wind turbine decrease, permitting an increase in rotational speed set point value.
- Combinations of two or more operational parameters are preferably utilized according to their respect relationships. For example, a lower ambient temperature and a higher air density are favorable for the cooling of the components, which results in lower mechanical loads on the wind turbine 100 , permitting an increase in rotational speed set point value.
- a reduced power factor increases the electrical current and with that, the temperatures of components within the wind turbine 100 , permitting an increase in rotational speed set point value.
- the temperature of some components of the wind turbine increases and other unfavorable component properties like voltage of the generator can increase.
- the new set point for the generator may be set, based on the parameters described above. For example, using the physical relationship of these parameters on turbine loads and power determines the new set point.
- a measured standard density of 1.225 with medium turbulence may result in a speed set point 6% greater than the initial rotational speed set point.
- the measured density is 1.100 (i.e., lower than 1.225) adjust rotational speed set point will be set to 9% above the initial rotational speed set point.
- the inverse relationships of the above operational parameters to the value of increased rotational speed set point result in a reduction in the amount of increase or prevents an increase in the rotational speed set point value.
- the control system may only slightly increase the rotational speed set point value, or may not increase the rotational speed set point value.
- FIG. 4 shows a process flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- a determination is made to whether controller speed control adjustment is activated, step 401 . If the controller speed is not activated the controller maintains default settings, step 403 .
- the default settings include a setting of the speed control to the initial rotational speed set point value.
- the determination in step 401 may include a switch, button, software determined option, or other mechanism that permits the selective activation of the speed control adjustment method.
- the speed control adjustment is activated, at least two operational parameters are obtained, step 405 .
- the operational parameters are preferably obtained from sensors. Once the operational parameters are obtained, an adjusted rotational speed is determined in response to the operational parameters, step 407 .
- the adjusted rotational speed is an adjusted rotational speed set point value for the control system that is greater than the initial or rated rotational speed set point value.
- the controller or control system is configured with the adjusted rotational speed set point, step 409 .
- the control system permits the wind turbine to operate at the increased rotational speed set point value and the method repeats.
- a user interface is provided to provide the speed control activation, step 401 .
- the interface may include, but is not limited to, the following: 1) an option to set time of day to operate in boost, 2) an option to set maximum boost allowed—up to a (e.g., extreme loads defined) limit, 3) an option to control the wind turbine remotely from a central control with plant power limits and plant power factors incorporated in the control provided by the central control.
- the interface is not so limited and may include other options or other features, as desired for wind turbine and wind turbine plant operation.
- the ability for the controller to adjust the rotational set point value can be activated by an external requirement.
- Suitable external requirements that may activate the ability for the controller to adjust the maximum rotor speed include, but are not limited to, electrical (e.g., power factor or overall rating) or environmental site properties (e.g., wind speed, wind shear, turbulence).
- an estimate of the lifetime or change in the lifetime of the turbine e.g. calculated out of simulations of mechanical fatigue loads, based upon increased maximum rotor speeds may be communicated to a user, central monitoring station or other location.
- the external requirement may include electrical or site properties over the entire wind plant.
- a wind plant comprising a plurality of wind turbines may include an external requirement of a maximum plant power output (i.e., the total power produced by the entire wind plant), which when exceeded selectively prevents wind turbines from increasing the rotational speed set point value in excess of the initial or rated rotational speed set point value.
- a maximum plant power output i.e., the total power produced by the entire wind plant
- FIG. 5 shows a process flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes obtaining an external requirement, step 501 .
- a determination is made to whether the external requirement is satisfied, step 503 . If the external requirement is not satisfied, the process is repeated and the rotational speed set point value is maintained at the initial rotational speed set point value.
- at least two operational parameters are obtained, step 405 .
- the operational parameters are preferably obtained from sensors.
- an adjusted rotational speed is determined in response to the operational parameters, step 407 .
- the adjusted rotational speed is an adjusted rotational speed set point value for the control system that is greater than the initial or rated rotational speed set point value.
- the controller or control system is configured with the adjusted rotational speed set point, step 409 .
- the control system permits the wind turbine to operate at the increased rotational speed set point value and the method repeats.
- Example 1 includes results of simulations using the method of the present disclosure for annual energy production (AEP) in terms of percent increase for operation at rotational speed set points greater than the initial speed set point for varying wind speed averages (V avg ), see Table 1.
- the operational parameters are density and average wind speed.
- the increase shown in Table 1 corresponds to an increase with respect to the AEP produced at the initial set point value or rated set point value of the wind turbine.
- the initial speed set point value or rated set point for the wind turbine corresponds to a 0% increase in AEP.
- Example 2 shows rotational speed set points value variations with respect to the operational parameters of air density and turbulence intensity (TI), see Table 2.
- Example 3 shows annual energy production (AEP) variations with respect to the operational parameters of wind velocity, air density and turbulence intensity, see Table 3.
- the increase shown in Table 3 corresponds to an increase with respect to the AEP produced at the initial set point value or rated set point value of the wind turbine.
- the initial speed set point value or rated set point for the wind turbine corresponds to a 0% increase in AEP.
- Example 4 shows rotational speed set points value variations with respect to the operational parameters of air density and turbulence intensity, see Table 4.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention is directed generally to wind turbines, and more particularly to a method for increasing energy capture. In particular, the present invention is directed to controlling the speed of rotation of the wind turbine blades to increase the amount of energy capture.
- Recently, wind turbines have received increased attention as environmentally safe and relatively inexpensive alternative energy sources. With this growing interest, considerable efforts have been made to develop wind turbines that are reliable and efficient.
- Generally, a wind turbine includes a rotor having multiple blades. The rotor is mounted to a housing or nacelle, which is positioned on top of a truss or tubular tower. Utility grade wind turbines (i.e., wind turbines designed to provide electrical power to a utility grid) can have large rotors (e.g., 30 or more meters in length). In addition, the wind turbines are typically mounted on towers that are at least 60 meters in height. Blades on these rotors transform wind energy into a rotational torque or force that drives one or more generators that may be rotationally coupled to the rotor through a gearbox. The gearbox steps up the inherently low rotational speed of the turbine rotor for the generator to efficiently convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, which is fed into a utility grid.
- During normal operation, wind turbines with sophisticated control system maintain constant speed and power by active blade pitch control. The initial design of a wind turbine controls may use standards such as IEC 61400. In the control configuration, the standardized environmental conditions such as average wind speed, turbulence intensity or air density are the basis for the design. The IEC standard defines a small number of different “type classes” that categorize a wind turbine design for broader range of environmental conditions. As such, the standard controller configuration fails to address all of the types of site locations on which the wind turbine may be installed.
- For example, many wind turbine sites include more favorable environmental conditions that give less stress on the actual wind turbine than the design conditions. At these sites, it is possible to use this application to increase the wind turbine performance, using a higher average rotor speed, without damaging wind turbine components.
- Therefore, what is needed is a method for operating a wind turbine that permits increased energy capture by controlling the rotor speed in response to measured or calculated operational parameters.
- One aspect of the present invention includes a method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes providing a wind turbine having a variable speed control system, the control system having an initial rotational speed set point. At least two operational parameters are obtained from one or more sensors. An adjusted rotational speed set point greater than the initial rotational speed set point is determined in response to the operational parameter. The control system is configured with the adjusted rotational speed set point.
- Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a wind turbine having a variable speed control system. The control system has an initial rotational speed set point. The wind turbine also includes at least one sensor arranged and disposed to obtain at least two operational parameters. The control system is selectively configured with an adjusted rotational speed set point greater than the initial rotational speed set point in response to the operational parameter.
- Still another aspect of the present invention includes a wind plant having a plurality of wind turbines. The wind turbines each include a variable speed control system. The control system has an initial rotational speed set point. At least one sensor arranged and disposed to obtain at least two operational parameters. The control system is selectively configured with an adjusted rotational speed set point greater than the initial rotational speed set point in response to the operational parameter. The wind plant further includes a central monitoring station. The central monitoring station is configured to selectively permit adjustment of the control system in response to an external requirement.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary configuration of a wind turbine. -
FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of a nacelle of the exemplary wind turbine configuration shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a control system for the wind turbine configuration shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. - Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , anexemplary wind turbine 100 according to the present invention is disclosed. Thewind turbine 100 includes anacelle 102 mounted atop atall tower 104, only a portion of which is shown inFIG. 1 .Wind turbine 100 also comprises awind turbine rotor 106 that includes one ormore rotor blades 108 attached to arotating hub 110. Althoughwind turbine 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 includes threerotor blades 108, there are no specific limits on the number ofrotor blades 108 required by the present invention. The height oftower 104 is selected based upon factors and conditions known in the art. - In some configurations and referring to
FIG. 2 , various components are housed innacelle 102atop tower 104. One or more microcontrollers or other control components (not shown) are housed withincontrol panel 112. The microcontrollers include hardware and software configured to provide a control system providing overall system monitoring and control, including pitch and speed regulation, high-speed shaft and yaw brake application, yaw and pump motor application and fault monitoring. In alternative embodiments of the disclosure, the control system may be a distributed control architecture not solely provided for by thecontrol panel 112 as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The control system provides control signals to a variableblade pitch drive 114 to control the pitch of blades 108 (FIG. 1 ) that drivehub 110 as a result of wind. In some configurations, the pitches ofblades 108 are individually controlled byblade pitch drive 114. - The drive train of the wind turbine includes a main rotor shaft 116 (also referred to as a “low speed shaft”) connected to
hub 110 and supported by a main bearing 130 and, at an opposite end ofshaft 116, to agear box 118.Gear box 118, in some configurations, utilizes a dual path geometry to drive an enclosed high-speed shaft. The high-speed shaft (not shown inFIG. 2 ) is used to drivegenerator 120, which is mounted onmainframe 132. In some configurations, rotor torque is transmitted viacoupling 122.Generator 120 may be of any suitable type, for example, a wound rotor induction generator. - Yaw
drive 124 and yawdeck 126 provide a yaw orientation system forwind turbine 100. Anemometry provides information for the yaw orientation system, including measured instantaneous wind direction and wind speed at the wind turbine. Anemometry may be provided by a wind vane 128. In some configurations, the yaw system is mounted on a flange provided atoptower 104. The present disclosure is not limited to the configuration shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 and may include any configuration ofwind turbine 100 known in the art having a control system and rotational speed control. For example, thewind turbine 100 may include more or less than threeblades 108. - In some configurations and referring to
FIG. 3 , anexemplary control system 300 forwind turbine 100 includes abus 302 or other communications device to communicate information. Processor(s) 304 are coupled tobus 302 to process information, including information from sensors configured to measure displacements or moments.Control system 300 further includes random access memory (RAM) 306 and/or other storage device(s) 308.RAM 306 and storage device(s) 308 are coupled tobus 302 to store and transfer information and instructions to be executed by processor(s) 305. RAM 306 (and also storage device(s) 308, if required) can also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by processor(s) 305.Control system 300 can also include read only memory (ROM) and or otherstatic storage device 310, which is coupled tobus 302 to store and provide static (i.e., non-changing) information and instructions to processor(s) 304. Input/output device(s) 312 can include any device known in the art to provide input data to controlsystem 300 and to provide yaw control and pitch control outputs. Instructions are provided to memory from a storage device, such as magnetic disk, a read-only memory (ROM) integrated circuit, CD-ROM, DVD, via a remote connection that is either wired or wireless providing access to one or more electronically-accessible media, etc. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with software instructions. Thus, execution of sequences of instructions is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software instructions.Sensor interface 314 is an interface that allowscontrol system 300 to communicate with one or more sensors.Sensor interface 314 can be or can comprise, for example, one or more analog-to-digital converters that convert analog signals into digital signals that can be used by processor(s) 304. In one embodiment, the sensor interface includes signals from a rotor speed determining device and anemometry fromwind vane 128. - The present disclosure includes a method for increasing energy capture of a wind turbine by controllably adjusting the maximum or rated rotational speed set point in response to a measured operational value. “Rotational speed”, as utilized herein, is defined as the speed at which the blades rotate about the hub. The rotational speed may include the speed at which the
low speed shaft 116 rotates or may be calculated from the speed of the high-speed shaft or at thegenerator 120. “Rated power”, as utilized herein, is defined as the power that the wind turbine generates at a maximum capacity, wherein the maximum capacity is determined by the control system. “Rated rotational speed”, as utilized herein, is defined as the speed at which the rotor is permitted to rotate in continuous operations during full load operations. The rated rotational speed may correspond to the maximum power capacity, but may include wind turbine operation below the maximum power capacity. - In one embodiment, the controlled adjustment may include a feature installed on an existing wind turbine with no modification of the wind turbine components. During the period of time of increased maximum rotor speed set point, the wind turbine is able to run at a higher rated power and achieve a significantly higher energy production. In this embodiment, no components of the turbine need to be changed or added.
- The method includes operating a wind turbine having a variable speed control system. As discussed above, wind turbine control systems typically include sophisticated control systems and control programs. The control programs utilize wind turbine components to adjust various operational parameters within the
wind turbine 100. For example, pitch blade angle and generator torque may be adjusted to vary the power output at thegenerator 120 and/or to adjust the rotational speed of theblades 108 in response to a wind speed. Typically, thewind turbine 100 will include a variable speed operational period (e.g., operation during shutdown and startup) and a constant speed operational period (e.g., during normal operating conditions or at maximum rated power operation). For the constant speed operational period, the control system includes an initial or rated rotational speed set point value. The initial rotational speed set point value corresponds to the designed maximum rotational speed at which the wind turbine is permitted to operate. While not so limited, the initial rotational speed set point value may be determined according to known design parameters or standards, such as international standards (e.g., IEC 61400). In the control configuration, the standardized environmental conditions such as average wind speed, turbulence intensity or air density for a theoretical average wind turbine site may form the basis for the design and configuration. While during normal operation (i.e., the constant speed operational period), the rotational speed is not permitted to exceed the maximum rotational speed set point. It is noted, however, that power output of thewind turbine 100 may vary at the maximum rotational speed by varying other parameters, such as torque. The method of the present disclosure includes a method wherein the initial rated rotational speed set point value is increased from the initial value in response to at least two operational parameters. The operational parameters are measured at one or mores sensors at thewind turbine 100, at a monitoring station for a wind turbine plant, or at a location corresponding to the wind turbine operation. - The operational parameter are preferably selected from the group consisting of generator speed, power output, turbulence intensity (e.g., turbulence intensity measured as function of the standard deviation of the rotational speed), wind speed, wind direction (both in vertical and horizontal sense), wind shear, the combination of ambient temperature and air pressure, air density, component temperatures (e.g., generator windings, bearings, generator and gearbox cooling, gearbox oil, transformer, and/or converter), generator torque, current in generator rotor and stator, voltage in generator rotor and stator, power factor, tower top vibration, drive train vibrations, yaw position and combinations thereof. More preferably, the operational parameter is at least two parameters selected from the group consisting of an air turbulence intensity, air density, tower vibration, ambient temperature, wind turbine component temperature, yaw position and combinations thereof.
- The sensors for measuring the operational parameters may be any suitable sensors known in the art for measuring or sensing the operational parameter. Suitable sensors may include thermometers, thermocouples, thermisters, anemometers, pressure sensors, optical sensors, proximity sensors, encoders (e.g., encoder mounted on the individual components) or any other known sensor or sensor system. The sensors may be included at the wind turbine location or at a location remote from the wind turbine, such as at a remote monitoring system. In addition, the sensor may indirectly measure an operational parameter, such as by measuring a value that may be utilized to calculate an operational parameter. In addition, a plurality of sensors may be utilized to determine a single operational parameter.
- Once the operational parameters are obtained, an adjusted, increased, rotational speed set point value is determined in response to the operational parameter. The amount of increase in rotational speed can be determined using any suitable model or calculation that is capable of determining a rotor speed that is greater than the initial rotational speed set point, and provides an adjusted rotor speed that is mechanically permitted by the
wind turbine 100 and the conditions surrounding thewind turbine 100. In one embodiment, the target rotational speed is a function of the standard deviation of the controlled rotational speed, which may be a measure of turbulence intensity. In addition, the increase in rotational speed set point value may be determined by the general relationship that as the annual average wind speed decreases, the mechanical loads on the wind turbine decrease, permitting an increase in rotational speed set point value. In addition, as the turbulence intensity decreases, the mechanical loads on the wind turbine decrease, permitting an increase in rotational speed set point value. Further, as the air density decreases, the mechanical loads on the wind turbine decrease, permitting an increase in rotational speed set point value. Likewise, as the ambient air temperature surrounding the wind turbine decreases significantly, the air density increases, permitting an increase in rotational speed set point value (this increase in set point would be lower than the case with higher density but higher than standard conditions). The above relationships are merely exemplary and are not exhaustive. - Combinations of two or more operational parameters are preferably utilized according to their respect relationships. For example, a lower ambient temperature and a higher air density are favorable for the cooling of the components, which results in lower mechanical loads on the
wind turbine 100, permitting an increase in rotational speed set point value. A reduced power factor increases the electrical current and with that, the temperatures of components within thewind turbine 100, permitting an increase in rotational speed set point value. Also, with higher rotational speed, the temperature of some components of the wind turbine increases and other unfavorable component properties like voltage of the generator can increase. The new set point for the generator may be set, based on the parameters described above. For example, using the physical relationship of these parameters on turbine loads and power determines the new set point. For example, a measured standard density of 1.225 with medium turbulence, may result in a speed set point 6% greater than the initial rotational speed set point. In addition, if the measured density is 1.100 (i.e., lower than 1.225) adjust rotational speed set point will be set to 9% above the initial rotational speed set point. - Generally, the inverse relationships of the above operational parameters to the value of increased rotational speed set point result in a reduction in the amount of increase or prevents an increase in the rotational speed set point value. For example, during high wind events, high component temperatures or adverse meteorological conditions, the control system may only slightly increase the rotational speed set point value, or may not increase the rotational speed set point value.
-
FIG. 4 shows a process flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, first, a determination is made to whether controller speed control adjustment is activated, step 401. If the controller speed is not activated the controller maintains default settings, step 403. The default settings include a setting of the speed control to the initial rotational speed set point value. The determination in step 401 may include a switch, button, software determined option, or other mechanism that permits the selective activation of the speed control adjustment method. If the speed control adjustment is activated, at least two operational parameters are obtained,step 405. The operational parameters are preferably obtained from sensors. Once the operational parameters are obtained, an adjusted rotational speed is determined in response to the operational parameters,step 407. The adjusted rotational speed is an adjusted rotational speed set point value for the control system that is greater than the initial or rated rotational speed set point value. The controller or control system is configured with the adjusted rotational speed set point,step 409. The control system permits the wind turbine to operate at the increased rotational speed set point value and the method repeats. - In one embodiment, a user interface is provided to provide the speed control activation, step 401. In this embodiment the interface, may include, but is not limited to, the following: 1) an option to set time of day to operate in boost, 2) an option to set maximum boost allowed—up to a (e.g., extreme loads defined) limit, 3) an option to control the wind turbine remotely from a central control with plant power limits and plant power factors incorporated in the control provided by the central control. The interface is not so limited and may include other options or other features, as desired for wind turbine and wind turbine plant operation.
- In one embodiment, the ability for the controller to adjust the rotational set point value can be activated by an external requirement. Suitable external requirements that may activate the ability for the controller to adjust the maximum rotor speed include, but are not limited to, electrical (e.g., power factor or overall rating) or environmental site properties (e.g., wind speed, wind shear, turbulence). In one embodiment, an estimate of the lifetime or change in the lifetime of the turbine, e.g. calculated out of simulations of mechanical fatigue loads, based upon increased maximum rotor speeds may be communicated to a user, central monitoring station or other location. In addition, the external requirement may include electrical or site properties over the entire wind plant. For example, a wind plant comprising a plurality of wind turbines may include an external requirement of a maximum plant power output (i.e., the total power produced by the entire wind plant), which when exceeded selectively prevents wind turbines from increasing the rotational speed set point value in excess of the initial or rated rotational speed set point value.
-
FIG. 5 shows a process flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment shown inFIG. 5 includes obtaining an external requirement,step 501. In this embodiment, first, a determination is made to whether the external requirement is satisfied,step 503. If the external requirement is not satisfied, the process is repeated and the rotational speed set point value is maintained at the initial rotational speed set point value. If the external requirement is satisfied, at least two operational parameters are obtained,step 405. The operational parameters are preferably obtained from sensors. Once the operational parameters are obtained, an adjusted rotational speed is determined in response to the operational parameters,step 407. The adjusted rotational speed is an adjusted rotational speed set point value for the control system that is greater than the initial or rated rotational speed set point value. The controller or control system is configured with the adjusted rotational speed set point,step 409. The control system permits the wind turbine to operate at the increased rotational speed set point value and the method repeats. - Example 1 includes results of simulations using the method of the present disclosure for annual energy production (AEP) in terms of percent increase for operation at rotational speed set points greater than the initial speed set point for varying wind speed averages (Vavg), see Table 1. In this example, the operational parameters are density and average wind speed.
-
TABLE 1 EXAMPLE 1 AEP Increase AEP Increase Vavg Density 1.225 Density 1.100 7.00 3.22% 4.54% 7.50 3.50% 5.00% 8.00 3.74% 5.41% 8.50 3.97% 5.78% 10.00 4.50% 6.62% - The increase shown in Table 1 corresponds to an increase with respect to the AEP produced at the initial set point value or rated set point value of the wind turbine. The initial speed set point value or rated set point for the wind turbine corresponds to a 0% increase in AEP.
- Example 2 shows rotational speed set points value variations with respect to the operational parameters of air density and turbulence intensity (TI), see Table 2.
-
TABLE 2 EXAMPLE 2 Increase Of Set Point From Turbulence Initial Speed Set Air Density Intensity Point 1.100 16% 9.70% 1.225 16% 6.25% 1.270 16% 3.00%
The initial speed set point value or rated set point for the wind turbine corresponds to a 0% increase of set point from initial speed set point. - Example 3 shows annual energy production (AEP) variations with respect to the operational parameters of wind velocity, air density and turbulence intensity, see Table 3.
-
TABLE 3 EXAMPLE 3 AEP Increase AEP Increase AEP Increase Density 1.225 Density 1.225 Density 1.225 High Medium Low Vavg Turbulence Turbulence Turbulence 7.00 2.8% 3.22% 3.85% 7.50 3.0% 3.5% 4.3% 8.00 3.1% 3.74% 4.71% 8.50 3.2% 3.97% 5.06% 10.00 3.3% 4.50% 5.83% - The increase shown in Table 3 corresponds to an increase with respect to the AEP produced at the initial set point value or rated set point value of the wind turbine. The initial speed set point value or rated set point for the wind turbine corresponds to a 0% increase in AEP.
- Example 4 shows rotational speed set points value variations with respect to the operational parameters of air density and turbulence intensity, see Table 4.
-
TABLE 4 EXAMPLE 4 Increase Of Set Point From Turbulence Original Speed Air Density Intensity Set Point 1.225 18% 3.00% 1.225 16% 6.25% 1.225 14% 7.80%
The initial speed set point value or rated set point for the wind turbine corresponds to a 0% increase of set point from initial speed set point. - While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (22)
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/128,861 US8093737B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine |
EP09160614.5A EP2128437B1 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2009-05-19 | Method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine |
DK09160614.5T DK2128437T3 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2009-05-19 | Method of increasing energy yield in a wind turbine |
CA2666269A CA2666269C (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2009-05-21 | Apparatus and method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine |
JP2009127269A JP5491769B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2009-05-27 | Apparatus and method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine |
CN200910149202.1A CN101592118B (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2009-05-27 | Apparatus and method for increasing energy capture in wind turbine |
US13/309,681 US8212373B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2011-12-02 | Wind plant and method for increasing energy capture in a wind plant |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/128,861 US8093737B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/309,681 Division US8212373B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2011-12-02 | Wind plant and method for increasing energy capture in a wind plant |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090295160A1 true US20090295160A1 (en) | 2009-12-03 |
US8093737B2 US8093737B2 (en) | 2012-01-10 |
Family
ID=41066699
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/128,861 Active 2029-11-07 US8093737B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2008-05-29 | Method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine |
US13/309,681 Active US8212373B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2011-12-02 | Wind plant and method for increasing energy capture in a wind plant |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/309,681 Active US8212373B2 (en) | 2008-05-29 | 2011-12-02 | Wind plant and method for increasing energy capture in a wind plant |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8093737B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2128437B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5491769B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101592118B (en) |
CA (1) | CA2666269C (en) |
DK (1) | DK2128437T3 (en) |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110068577A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp. | Apparatus for providing overload protection for wind power generator and method thereof |
US20110084485A1 (en) * | 2009-10-08 | 2011-04-14 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Control method for a wind turbine |
US20110182712A1 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2011-07-28 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Method of controlling a wind power plant |
US20120068463A1 (en) * | 2010-03-05 | 2012-03-22 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Wind Turbine Apparatus, Systems and Methods |
US20120146332A1 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2012-06-14 | Wolfgang Kabatzke | Method for Operating a Pitch-Controlled Wind Turbine |
US20120292903A1 (en) * | 2011-05-18 | 2012-11-22 | Maximilian Merkel | Method for operating a wind turbine |
EP2527643A2 (en) | 2011-05-24 | 2012-11-28 | Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L. | Wind turbine control methods and systems for cold climate and low altitude conditions |
US20120299433A1 (en) * | 2010-02-05 | 2012-11-29 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Stator of a permanently excited rotating electric machine |
US20130161955A1 (en) * | 2010-06-18 | 2013-06-27 | Søren Dalsgaard | Control method for a wind turbine |
US20130187383A1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2013-07-25 | Thomas Esbensen | System and method for operating a wind turbine using adaptive reference variables |
US20140377065A1 (en) * | 2011-12-26 | 2014-12-25 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Method for controlling a wind turbine |
US20150337802A1 (en) * | 2014-05-26 | 2015-11-26 | General Electric Company | System and method for pitch fault detection |
US9201410B2 (en) | 2011-12-23 | 2015-12-01 | General Electric Company | Methods and systems for optimizing farm-level metrics in a wind farm |
DK178629B1 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2016-09-26 | Gen Electric | Wind turbines and wind turbine rotor blades with reduced radar cross sections |
WO2019138132A1 (en) | 2018-01-15 | 2019-07-18 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | Method for controlling a wind turbine and wind turbine |
US20200056585A1 (en) * | 2016-06-02 | 2020-02-20 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | Method of controlling a wind turbine and wind turbine |
US10584680B2 (en) * | 2012-01-12 | 2020-03-10 | Insight Analytics Solutions Holdings Limited | Method for operating a wind turbine generator |
CN111601969A (en) * | 2018-01-15 | 2020-08-28 | 乌本产权有限公司 | Wind power plant and method for controlling a wind power plant |
US20210372371A1 (en) * | 2018-10-18 | 2021-12-02 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Modifying control strategy for control of a wind turbine using load probability and design load limit |
US11193470B2 (en) * | 2018-06-06 | 2021-12-07 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | Method for operating a wind turbine |
US20220170446A1 (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2022-06-02 | Ntn Corporation | Condition monitoring system |
Families Citing this family (40)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102007026995C5 (en) * | 2007-06-07 | 2017-03-30 | Senvion Gmbh | Speed search |
US8183707B2 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2012-05-22 | General Electric Company | Method of controlling a wind energy system and wind speed sensor free wind energy system |
US8093737B2 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2012-01-10 | General Electric Company | Method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine |
US8120194B2 (en) * | 2010-03-05 | 2012-02-21 | General Electric Company | System, device, and method for wind turbine load reduction in a cold weather environment |
WO2011157271A2 (en) * | 2010-06-14 | 2011-12-22 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | A method and control unit for controlling a wind turbine in dependence on loading experienced by the wind turbine |
DE102010048008A1 (en) * | 2010-06-16 | 2011-12-22 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Condition monitoring method and system for wind turbines |
FR2962498B1 (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2013-03-01 | Eolys Ressources Et En | HORIZONTAL AXIS AEROGENERATOR, COMPRISING A PLC TO PILOT A PROGRESSIVE ERASURE OF THE NACELLE ACCORDING TO THE SPEED OF THE WIND. |
JP5200117B2 (en) * | 2010-08-31 | 2013-05-15 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Wind turbine rotor design method, wind turbine rotor design support device, wind turbine rotor design support program, and wind turbine rotor |
DE102010044433A1 (en) * | 2010-09-06 | 2012-03-08 | Nordex Energy Gmbh | Method for controlling the speed of a wind turbine |
WO2012118549A1 (en) | 2010-12-09 | 2012-09-07 | Northern Power Systems, Inc. | Systems for load reduction in a tower of an idled wind-power unit and methods thereof |
US8169098B2 (en) * | 2010-12-22 | 2012-05-01 | General Electric Company | Wind turbine and operating same |
US20110193344A1 (en) * | 2010-12-29 | 2011-08-11 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Control Network for Wind Turbine Park |
DK2520795T3 (en) * | 2011-05-03 | 2022-08-01 | Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy As | Method and calculation module for determining pitch angle adjustment signals of a wind turbine based on the maximum rotation speed |
WO2012149984A1 (en) | 2011-05-04 | 2012-11-08 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | System and method for operating a wind turbine using an adaptive speed reference |
US10466138B2 (en) * | 2011-05-20 | 2019-11-05 | Andy Poon | Determining remaining useful life of rotating machinery including drive trains, gearboxes, and generators |
TWI494505B (en) * | 2011-12-26 | 2015-08-01 | Delta Electronics Inc | Wind power generating system and control method thereof |
CN103174587B (en) * | 2011-12-26 | 2015-04-22 | 台达电子工业股份有限公司 | Wind power generation system and control method thereof |
US8890349B1 (en) * | 2012-01-19 | 2014-11-18 | Northern Power Systems, Inc. | Load reduction system and method for a wind power unit |
US9018787B2 (en) | 2012-04-24 | 2015-04-28 | General Electric Company | System and method of wind turbine control using a torque setpoint |
EP2872775B1 (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2016-05-25 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and arrangement for controlling a wind turbine |
US9551321B2 (en) * | 2013-06-26 | 2017-01-24 | General Electric Company | System and method for controlling a wind turbine |
US9624905B2 (en) | 2013-09-20 | 2017-04-18 | General Electric Company | System and method for preventing excessive loading on a wind turbine |
US9683552B2 (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2017-06-20 | General Electric Company | System and method for robust wind turbine operation |
US9631606B2 (en) | 2014-04-14 | 2017-04-25 | General Electric Company | System and method for thrust-speed control of a wind turbine |
JP6444740B2 (en) * | 2014-05-29 | 2018-12-26 | 株式会社東芝 | Wind power generation system and wind power generation method |
US9926910B2 (en) * | 2015-03-13 | 2018-03-27 | General Electric Company | Wind turbine setpoint control |
CN105134487B (en) * | 2015-08-24 | 2017-11-14 | 南京理工大学 | A kind of wind energy conversion system maximum power point-tracing control method for considering tumbling frequency factor |
JP6756489B2 (en) * | 2016-02-17 | 2020-09-16 | 株式会社日立製作所 | How to control wind power generators |
CN106677985A (en) * | 2016-12-13 | 2017-05-17 | 云南能投海装新能源设备有限公司 | Wind turbine generator set evaluation system and predictive control service system thereof |
DE102016124703A1 (en) * | 2016-12-16 | 2018-06-21 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | A method of operating a wind turbine and means for controlling and / or regulating a wind turbine and corresponding wind turbine with a rotor and a generator driven via the rotor for generating an electrical power |
JP2018119427A (en) | 2017-01-24 | 2018-08-02 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Wind-power generation system or operation method of wind-power generation system |
JP2018178900A (en) | 2017-04-18 | 2018-11-15 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Wind power generation system |
US10697439B2 (en) | 2017-06-14 | 2020-06-30 | General Electric Company | Offset toggle method for wind turbine operation |
US10634121B2 (en) | 2017-06-15 | 2020-04-28 | General Electric Company | Variable rated speed control in partial load operation of a wind turbine |
CN109578203B (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2021-03-02 | 中车株洲电力机车研究所有限公司 | Active load reduction control method and device for wind generating set under extreme working conditions |
EP3909117B1 (en) * | 2019-01-10 | 2022-11-23 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Improvements relating to electrical generators in wind turbines |
DE102019001356A1 (en) * | 2019-02-26 | 2020-08-27 | Senvion Gmbh | Method and system for controlling a wind turbine arrangement |
CN113027696B (en) * | 2019-12-24 | 2022-11-15 | 新疆金风科技股份有限公司 | Fault diagnosis method and device of hydraulic variable pitch system |
US20210222672A1 (en) * | 2020-01-16 | 2021-07-22 | General Electric Company | Systems and methods for operation of wind turbines using improved power curves |
EP3910194A1 (en) * | 2020-05-12 | 2021-11-17 | Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S | Wind turbine control arrangement |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3665274A (en) * | 1970-05-05 | 1972-05-23 | Gen Electric | Reversible motor control having alternatively operative dual amplifiers and automatic response adjustment |
US4703189A (en) * | 1985-11-18 | 1987-10-27 | United Technologies Corporation | Torque control for a variable speed wind turbine |
US5289041A (en) * | 1991-09-19 | 1994-02-22 | U.S. Windpower, Inc. | Speed control system for a variable speed wind turbine |
US20040108732A1 (en) * | 2002-05-02 | 2004-06-10 | Roland Weitkamp | Wind power plant, control arrangement for a wind power plant, and method for operating a wind power plant |
US7015595B2 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2006-03-21 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Variable speed wind turbine having a passive grid side rectifier with scalar power control and dependent pitch control |
US20080084068A1 (en) * | 2001-12-28 | 2008-04-10 | Masaaki Shibata | Wind turbine operating apparatus and operating method |
US20100135789A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2010-06-03 | Danian Zheng | System and methods for controlling a wind turbine |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3342583C2 (en) | 1983-11-25 | 1986-02-27 | Deutsche Forschungs- und Versuchsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V., 5300 Bonn | Method for operating a wind turbine |
DE19844258A1 (en) | 1998-09-26 | 2000-03-30 | Dewind Technik Gmbh | Wind turbine |
DK1230479T3 (en) * | 1999-11-03 | 2005-01-10 | Vestas Wind Sys As | A method for controlling the operation of a wind turbine as well as a wind turbine for use in this method |
CN1426510A (en) * | 2000-03-08 | 2003-06-25 | 里索国家实验室 | Method of operating turbine |
DE10022974C2 (en) * | 2000-05-11 | 2003-10-23 | Aloys Wobben | Method for operating a wind energy plant and wind energy plant |
DE10109553B4 (en) * | 2001-02-28 | 2006-03-30 | Wobben, Aloys, Dipl.-Ing. | Air density dependent power control |
DE10327344A1 (en) * | 2003-06-16 | 2005-01-27 | Repower Systems Ag | Wind turbine |
US7086834B2 (en) | 2004-06-10 | 2006-08-08 | General Electric Company | Methods and apparatus for rotor blade ice detection |
US7298059B2 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2007-11-20 | General Electric Company | System and method for operating a wind farm under high wind speed conditions |
US8649911B2 (en) | 2005-06-03 | 2014-02-11 | General Electric Company | System and method for operating a wind farm under high wind speed conditions |
US8093737B2 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2012-01-10 | General Electric Company | Method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine |
-
2008
- 2008-05-29 US US12/128,861 patent/US8093737B2/en active Active
-
2009
- 2009-05-19 DK DK09160614.5T patent/DK2128437T3/en active
- 2009-05-19 EP EP09160614.5A patent/EP2128437B1/en not_active Revoked
- 2009-05-21 CA CA2666269A patent/CA2666269C/en active Active
- 2009-05-27 JP JP2009127269A patent/JP5491769B2/en active Active
- 2009-05-27 CN CN200910149202.1A patent/CN101592118B/en active Active
-
2011
- 2011-12-02 US US13/309,681 patent/US8212373B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3665274A (en) * | 1970-05-05 | 1972-05-23 | Gen Electric | Reversible motor control having alternatively operative dual amplifiers and automatic response adjustment |
US4703189A (en) * | 1985-11-18 | 1987-10-27 | United Technologies Corporation | Torque control for a variable speed wind turbine |
US5289041A (en) * | 1991-09-19 | 1994-02-22 | U.S. Windpower, Inc. | Speed control system for a variable speed wind turbine |
US20080084068A1 (en) * | 2001-12-28 | 2008-04-10 | Masaaki Shibata | Wind turbine operating apparatus and operating method |
US7015595B2 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2006-03-21 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Variable speed wind turbine having a passive grid side rectifier with scalar power control and dependent pitch control |
US20040108732A1 (en) * | 2002-05-02 | 2004-06-10 | Roland Weitkamp | Wind power plant, control arrangement for a wind power plant, and method for operating a wind power plant |
US20100135789A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2010-06-03 | Danian Zheng | System and methods for controlling a wind turbine |
Cited By (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110182712A1 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2011-07-28 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Method of controlling a wind power plant |
US8821108B2 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2014-09-02 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Method of controlling a wind power plant |
US20110068577A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp. | Apparatus for providing overload protection for wind power generator and method thereof |
US20110084485A1 (en) * | 2009-10-08 | 2011-04-14 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Control method for a wind turbine |
US7964979B2 (en) | 2009-10-08 | 2011-06-21 | Vestas Wind Systmes A/S | Control method for a wind turbine |
US20120299433A1 (en) * | 2010-02-05 | 2012-11-29 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Stator of a permanently excited rotating electric machine |
US8890346B2 (en) * | 2010-03-05 | 2014-11-18 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System and method for operating a wind turbine |
US20120068463A1 (en) * | 2010-03-05 | 2012-03-22 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Wind Turbine Apparatus, Systems and Methods |
US20130161955A1 (en) * | 2010-06-18 | 2013-06-27 | Søren Dalsgaard | Control method for a wind turbine |
US8803351B2 (en) * | 2010-06-18 | 2014-08-12 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Control method for a wind turbine |
US20120146332A1 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2012-06-14 | Wolfgang Kabatzke | Method for Operating a Pitch-Controlled Wind Turbine |
US8878378B2 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2014-11-04 | Nordex Energy Gmbh | Method for operating a pitch-controlled wind turbine |
US20130187383A1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2013-07-25 | Thomas Esbensen | System and method for operating a wind turbine using adaptive reference variables |
US20120292903A1 (en) * | 2011-05-18 | 2012-11-22 | Maximilian Merkel | Method for operating a wind turbine |
US8618684B2 (en) * | 2011-05-18 | 2013-12-31 | Nordex Energy Gmbh | Method for operating a wind turbine |
US20120299298A1 (en) * | 2011-05-24 | 2012-11-29 | Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L. | Wind turbine control methods and systems for cold climate and low altitude conditions |
US9097235B2 (en) * | 2011-05-24 | 2015-08-04 | Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S. L. | Wind turbine control methods and systems for cold climate and low altitude conditions |
EP2527643A2 (en) | 2011-05-24 | 2012-11-28 | Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L. | Wind turbine control methods and systems for cold climate and low altitude conditions |
US9201410B2 (en) | 2011-12-23 | 2015-12-01 | General Electric Company | Methods and systems for optimizing farm-level metrics in a wind farm |
US20140377065A1 (en) * | 2011-12-26 | 2014-12-25 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Method for controlling a wind turbine |
US10584680B2 (en) * | 2012-01-12 | 2020-03-10 | Insight Analytics Solutions Holdings Limited | Method for operating a wind turbine generator |
DK178629B1 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2016-09-26 | Gen Electric | Wind turbines and wind turbine rotor blades with reduced radar cross sections |
US9587628B2 (en) | 2012-01-17 | 2017-03-07 | General Electric Company | Method for operating a wind turbine |
US20150337802A1 (en) * | 2014-05-26 | 2015-11-26 | General Electric Company | System and method for pitch fault detection |
US11174837B2 (en) * | 2016-06-02 | 2021-11-16 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | Method of controlling a wind turbine and wind turbine |
US20200056585A1 (en) * | 2016-06-02 | 2020-02-20 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | Method of controlling a wind turbine and wind turbine |
DE102018100727A1 (en) * | 2018-01-15 | 2019-07-18 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | Method for controlling a wind turbine and wind turbine |
CN111601969A (en) * | 2018-01-15 | 2020-08-28 | 乌本产权有限公司 | Wind power plant and method for controlling a wind power plant |
WO2019138132A1 (en) | 2018-01-15 | 2019-07-18 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | Method for controlling a wind turbine and wind turbine |
US11441537B2 (en) | 2018-01-15 | 2022-09-13 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | Method for controlling a wind turbine and wind turbine |
US11193470B2 (en) * | 2018-06-06 | 2021-12-07 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | Method for operating a wind turbine |
US20210372371A1 (en) * | 2018-10-18 | 2021-12-02 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Modifying control strategy for control of a wind turbine using load probability and design load limit |
US20220170446A1 (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2022-06-02 | Ntn Corporation | Condition monitoring system |
US11939955B2 (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2024-03-26 | Ntn Corporation | Condition monitoring system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP5491769B2 (en) | 2014-05-14 |
US20120091714A1 (en) | 2012-04-19 |
US8212373B2 (en) | 2012-07-03 |
CA2666269C (en) | 2015-01-13 |
CN101592118B (en) | 2015-05-20 |
EP2128437A2 (en) | 2009-12-02 |
CA2666269A1 (en) | 2009-11-29 |
EP2128437B1 (en) | 2017-10-11 |
DK2128437T3 (en) | 2017-11-27 |
JP2009287564A (en) | 2009-12-10 |
US8093737B2 (en) | 2012-01-10 |
EP2128437A3 (en) | 2012-07-25 |
CN101592118A (en) | 2009-12-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8093737B2 (en) | Method for increasing energy capture in a wind turbine | |
US8215906B2 (en) | Variable tip speed ratio tracking control for wind turbines | |
US7772713B2 (en) | Method and system for controlling a wind turbine | |
EP2295793B1 (en) | System for determining a cut-out limit for a wind turbine | |
DK2096301T3 (en) | Method of operating a wind turbine plant under high wind conditions | |
EP2273105B1 (en) | Method and system for noise controlled operation of a wind turbine | |
EP2405133B1 (en) | Wind farm and method of controlling power production of a wind turbine of a wind farm | |
US7945350B2 (en) | Wind turbine acoustic emission control system and method | |
US8013460B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for controlling noise levels of a turbine with minimal loss in energy yield | |
US7175389B2 (en) | Methods and apparatus for reducing peak wind turbine loads | |
EP2644887B1 (en) | A wind turbine with rotor-stall prevention | |
US10294920B2 (en) | Wind turbine and method for operating a wind turbine |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GE WIND ENERGY GMBH,GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WITTEKIND, LOTHAR;VIRIPULLAN, RENJITH;STAEDLER, MARTIN;SIGNING DATES FROM 20080522 TO 20080528;REEL/FRAME:021071/0171 Owner name: GE WIND ENERGY GMBH, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WITTEKIND, LOTHAR;VIRIPULLAN, RENJITH;STAEDLER, MARTIN;SIGNING DATES FROM 20080522 TO 20080528;REEL/FRAME:021071/0171 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY,NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GE WIND ENERGY GMBH;REEL/FRAME:022558/0926 Effective date: 20090414 Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GE WIND ENERGY GMBH;REEL/FRAME:022558/0926 Effective date: 20090414 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY LLC, SOUTH CAROLINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:065727/0001 Effective date: 20231110 |